I wasn't initially feeling any of the new Vogues. It took a minute for me to look through the line drawings. This Guy Laroche stood out. I love separates and these are some pretty interesting pieces. HOWEVER -- I would never tuck that top into those pants! Like, never, EVER! And adding a belt? I guess that worked for the over-the-top runway look. But in real life, you'd look like a fool! LOL Everything on the runway doesn't translate to "real way".

You know that you're officially getting old when you see a style cycle back around that you wore TO DEATH. And that's how I feel about this slip dress. I tried to avoid it for the longest. A bias cut slip dress with my Halle Berry styled pixie haircut and JLo finely arched eyebrows was one of my go-to 90's looks. You'd wear it in the day with a t-shirt and pair it with a choker and heels at night. I had the look down pat! I was in my 20s and you couldn't tell me nothin! I've been seeing one of my favorite 40 Plus blogger wearing hers with a leather moto jacket, and she looks chic and totally bad ass. So I may give this one a try. And plus, it has cup sizing!

These are just cute basic outfits to throw on around the holidays. This is something I would put on for Thanksgiving or Christmas day with either a cute pair of flats or house slippers. You're comfortable, but still pulled together and presentable.

I don't know if I'll make the skirt, but I'm definitely making that top! Love this!

I think Michael would like this.

I love loungewear. I can't sleep in anything like this because I'm 47 and nightsweats! But I do like to get my lounge on! And that romper is adorbs!

This gown is just simple, elegant and would get the job done. I've been saying that I need to put a couple of gowns in my closet. There are always events and galas going on. I always find out about it too late to order fabric and sew up a look. And I would never want to be rushing formal wear.

And I like this one too!

This is cute and fun. It reads spring for me. So this one get parked for a few months.

Our best fashion friend from the 70s, is making a major comeback this season. I haven't sewn with corduroy in years, 6 to be exact. The last time I made corduroy pants were in 2011. I made a pair of turquoise jeans from Vogue 8330. I wore those things for years and just got rid of them probably last year during a closet purge.

This pattern is Vogue 9181. For years, I was married to Vogue 9032. I sewed those pants FIVE times! I didn't think it got any better than that one. It was my "tried and true". And as I was looking back at old pictures and searching through my pattern cabinet, I discovered I'd bought V9181. I compared the patterns to each other to see if there was a difference. The biggest difference is V9181 has 3 butt shapes (i.e. flat, standard and curvy). I was immediately intrigued! This is the pants version of cup sizing in a bodice. So I was sold on trying this one.

I'd previously used the size 14 in the V9032. V9181 are drafted for stretch wovens. This amazing 8 wale hot pink corduroy that I found at Minerva Crafts, has ZERO stretch. Absolutely none... So I sized up to a 16 and used the curvy butt back. I added 5 inches to the length and that was the only fit alteration I needed to make.

However, I did add pockets. Pockets on pants is definitely something I'd miss.

I used the pockets from V9032.

I love when pockets extend to the center front on flat front pants. It supports any tummy bulge and gives you a nice smooth look.

These pants have a faux fly finish. So installing the zipper is really quick and easy.

These pants sit at the natural waist and have a comfortable and super flattering contoured waistband with belt carriers. They fit so well, a belt isn't really needed. If you're a woman with curves and a waist that's 10+ inches smaller than your hip... then I would suggest this pattern. It's very rare that you can find a pattern that has butt room and fit the waist at the same time, without having to work for it. When you see the "Big Booty Judy's" wearing stretchy, spandexy clothes, it's because finding RTW clothes made of stable fabric that fit certain proportions is unrealistic. The struggle is so real. So, a winning pair of pants for ME are pants that don't gape at the center back; I can sit and bend without showing butt-crack; are not riding up on the inner thigh and being eaten by my crotch! And pockets that aren't gaping out. Screw all of that other nitpicky shit!

GANT sent over this beautiful blouse. It's made in an offwhite 100% washed silk crepe de chine. I'm wearing the size 10, because boobs... I'm always on a mission to add more tops to my wardrobe because I never feel I have enough. And this is a great one. It would work with everything from layering it under a suit, to casual pants like my cords and jeans, of course, to even wearing it as a tunic top with leather leggings for this fall. It's a great addition to my wardrobe and it's even currently on sale!

Last, but not least...

Here is my "How to Sew a Blind Hem" tutorial. It's for these pants. I feel that so many stitches and feet that come with home sewing machines are overlooked. And this is one that would make your sewing life so much easier. A blind hem can be used on pants, skirts, dresses and jackets. And it gives your garment a polished look.

I cut the size 14. I lengthened it at the waist by an inch and I added 3 inches to the hem.

In retrospect, I really only needed that length at the waist in the front. I have a little bit of extra fabric in the back that I noticed every time I got up and down... I had to keep pulling the dress down in the back.

I stabilized the neckline and the armholes and interfaced the zipper insertion area.

The dress has an invisible side zipper with a hook & eye at the top. And it has snap shoulder closure. Those tiny snaps were so fun to sew on. (Said NO seamstress, ever!)

This is Simplicity 1108. Even though we're in the midst of fall here in the South, it's still pretty mild. I love the idea of dressing for fall, but I have to be realistic. So I knew that something like this long kimono (or duster) would be the perfect topper for cooler evenings.

I made another view of this for Mikaela last year, and it's been in constant rotation in her wardrobe. Hers turned out so well, I'd been saying I wanted to make myself one. I decided to use view C, the long version. I knew in the right fabric, it would gorgeous and dramatic.

This pattern only has 3 pattern pieces... talk about a quick sew. And it's the perfect pattern to allow the fabric to be the star. While shopping at Joann Fabrics, I found this amazing Boho Style Burnout Velvet Fabric. My store had 2 bolts, one with this black background and another with a cream background. I love the idea of florals on a dark background for the cooler months and this is just perfect.

Velvet can be a very tricky, sometimes difficult fabric to work with. I've made a few successful velvet projects, so I decided to share some tips that I use that makes sewing velvet an enjoyable sewing experience. Here's my latest Youtube tutorial: